New safety app launched as UK marks hate crime campaign

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping today helped launch a new mobile app to help vulnerable people with learning disabilities identify a safe public place in times of need.

The PCC joined Nottingham Mencap and city-based business Tornado Gloves, which has sponsored the project, for the launch of the Safe Place app as part of the National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW).

The Safe Place Scheme is supported by the PCC. Available in a number of towns and cities across the UK it gives vulnerable people a short term “safe place” to go if they ever feel threatened when out and about.

Local shops, businesses and public buildings associated with the scheme have visible stickers highlighting their membership and trained staff available to reassure individuals and ensure they receive the appropriate support they need.

Nottingham is the latest city to join the Safe Place website which links other similar schemes across the country and today launched its own mobile app which identifies the nearest “safe place” for those who need help quickly and easily.

Mr Tipping said: “I’m delighted to support the launch of this new app and Nottingham’s membership to the Safe Place website which will help increase the safety of vulnerable people living or visiting our city.

“Individuals with learning difficulties are at increased risk of hate crime and it’s vital we put the right safeguards in place to protect them and ensure help is always available. Nottingham Mencap has been instrumental in making sure this happens by building participation in this project.

“The Safe Place Scheme enables vulnerable people to enjoy a greater sense of independence and encourages them to explore everything our wonderful city has to offer with confidence and I’m immensely proud to be involved with the launch during National Hate Crime Awareness Week.”

A spokesperson for Tornado Gloves, said: “Tornado Gloves sponsor Safe Places, the charity that support vulnerable people within the community. We’re delighted be involved with Anti Hate Crime Week and we endeavour to raise awareness in every way we can”.

Karen Aspley, from Nottingham Mencap, added: "People with learning disability experience hate crime as part of their day to day lives; it is all our responsibility to keep people safe by reporting hate crime. If it looks wrong, it is wrong, report it to the police."

“We would like to thank our sponsor Tornado Gloves for enabling this development in the Safe Place Scheme in Nottingham City. We feel it is a step forward in supporting people with disabilities to live their lives as equals in our community.”

The app, which is free of charge, can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play and will provide instructions to reach the nearest Safe Place or prompt the user to contact the police.

The Safe Places website, available at https://www.safeplaces.org.uk/, provides resources for teachers to enable the Safe Places message to be promoted in schools and actively promotes Safe Places allowing a wider group of people to benefit from the scheme, particularly when visiting other towns and cities.

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